10+ Powerful Body Language Secrets to Instantly Win Anyone Over at Work

Job interviews involve more than just words—they also hinge on the signals we send. Non-verbal cues shape how we’re perceived and can greatly impact a recruiter’s decision. Slouched posture, fidgety hands, or avoiding eye contact might cost you an opportunity you’re otherwise qualified for. Here’s how to present yourself more effectively during a job interview.

Arm placement and posture

Posture is one of the first things recruiters notice. Standing or sitting upright suggests confidence, while slouching can read as timid or insecure. Pay attention to your shoulders, too—they should be down and back, not hunched up, which shows nervousness. It’s understandable to feel tense, and interviewers know that.

But appearing overly rigid might make you seem uneasy or unapproachable. You may struggle to settle into your seat, leading to rushed or unnatural responses. And when seated, avoid leaning sideways, which may suggest disengagement or disinterest.

Hand gestures and stillness

Do you naturally use hand gestures when speaking? Not everyone does, but if you do, use them thoughtfully during interviews. If gesturing doesn’t come naturally, try incorporating subtle ones to keep from fidgeting. When hands remain idle for too long, especially under stress, you might start biting your nails, folding your arms, or playing with your hair.

When you’re not talking, rest your hands neutrally on the desk to be ready for natural movement when you speak again. You can place one hand over the other or clasp them lightly. This approach also helps maintain upright posture and prevents slouching.

Eye contact

Maintaining eye contact is crucial if you want your answers taken seriously. Avoiding someone’s gaze may suggest uncertainty or that you’re withholding information. Confidence during those first moments is vital—it’s a quality required in many roles. Of course, making eye contact with someone you don’t know can be daunting.

Still, balance is key. You don’t need to lock eyes constantly, as that can seem unnatural or robotic. It’s fine to occasionally look away, especially while thinking. Most people break eye contact briefly when forming an answer.

Listen and respond

Some candidates get carried away promoting their skills, forgetting to actively listen. But it’s just as important to show that you can absorb and respond thoughtfully. Employers want to assess not just your technical abilities but your emotional intelligence too.

Here are two easy ways to show attentiveness: Lean forward slightly when your interviewer speaks, and nod occasionally to signal that you’re engaged and following along.

The habit of fidgeting

Whether it’s an unconscious habit or a nervous response, fidgeting should be kept in check. Repeatedly touching your hair, spinning rings, tapping, or glancing at your watch during key moments might suggest you’re distracted or eager to leave.

Strong handshake

Your interview begins the moment you walk into the building. Before meeting the hiring manager, you might interact with a receptionist, other applicants, or employees—first impressions matter. You’ll want to appear both confident and courteous.

When greeting your interviewer, your handshake should be firm. While this advice is common, many still overlook it. A solid handshake shows confidence and readiness. In contrast, a weak one may suggest low self-esteem or uncertainty.

Extreme lack of movement

Appearing too still may give the impression that you’re detached or uninterested. It can also make the atmosphere feel stiff. Use facial expressions and small gestures to show you’re genuinely engaged. Mirroring the interviewer slightly can also help build rapport.

Smile genuinely

No one wants to work with someone who never smiles or brings a negative vibe. Smiling —when appropriate—makes you seem friendly and approachable. Laughter, when natural, adds warmth. But don’t fake a reaction you don’t feel.

You don’t need to smile at inappropriate comments or jokes. Instead, choose genuine moments to share your positivity through a natural smile or laugh.

Interviews can be unpredictable, influenced by various factors. Sometimes, the interviewer behaves oddly, or your day just starts off badly. Hopefully, you won’t face the awkward situations some candidates have encountered.

Nail-biting

Biting your nails is another visible cue of nervousness or anxiety. While it might provide momentary relief, it can expose your emotional state. It’s also distracting and may give a negative impression of your grooming habits—ultimately impacting how others perceive your professionalism.

Bonus

Vanquishing workplace awkwardness often starts before you even speak, and an expert body language tip is to trade in closed-off stances for open, powerful postures.
Crossing one’s arms, which can be interpreted as defensive, closed-off, or even uninterested—a major hurdle when trying to build rapport or win over colleagues. Instead, adopting an expansive stance, like a subtle ’hands on hips’ or simply keeping your arms relaxed and uncrossed at your sides, immediately signals confidence, openness, and approachability. This strategic change in posture, which also includes maintaining good upright stance and taking up your natural space, helps to establish immediate authority and trustworthiness. After all, if you don’t look like you’re listening or are ready to engage, people are far less likely to trust your words, no matter how brilliant they are.

Want to take these body language tricks beyond the office? There’s more you can do with just a simple gesture or glance. Up next: 11 surprisingly easy ways to use body language to your advantage anywhere.